castor oil

castor oil

[kas´ter]

a fixed oil obtained from the seed of the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis); now used primarily as a topical emollient. When taken internally it acts as a powerful cathartic; because of its strength, other agents are now preferred for treatment of digestive disorders.

cas·tor oil

(kas'ter oyl),

A fixed oil expressed from the seeds of Ricinus communis (family Euphorbiaceae); a purgative.

castor oil

n.

A colorless or pale yellowish oil extracted from the seeds of the castor-oil plant, used pharmaceutically as a laxative and skin softener and industrially as a lubricant.

castor oil

[kas′tər]

Etymology: L, beaver, oleum, olive oil

an oil derived from Ricinus communis, used as a stimulant cathartic.

indications It is prescribed as a cleansing preparation of the bowel or colon before examination and, rarely, for constipation.

contraindications Symptoms of appendicitis, intestinal obstruction or perforation, and fecal impaction prohibit its use. It is not to be used during menstruation or pregnancy.

adverse effects Among the most serious adverse reactions are rectal bleeding and laxative dependence. Nausea, abdominal cramps, and dizziness also may occur.

castor oil

An oil cold-pressed from the kernel of Ricinus communis seeds, which contains glycerides of ricinoleic and isoricinoleic acids—e.g., dihydroxystearin, isoricinolein, palmitin and triricinolein; it has been used externally as an emollient and internally as a laxative.

castor oil

An oil cold-pressed from the kernel of Ricinus communis seeds, which contains glycerides of ricinoleic and isoricinoleic acids–eg, dihydroxystearin, isoricinolein, palmitin, and triricinolein; it has been used externally as an emollient and internally as a laxative. See Castor bean, Ricin.

cas·tor oil

(kas'tŏr oyl)

Fatty oil from castor beans used as a cathartic or lubricant.

castor oil

An oil derived from the poisonous seeds of the plant, Ricinus communis and formerly used to treat CONSTIPATION.

castor oil

a fixed oil obtained from the seed of the castor bean plant (ricinus communis); it has an irritant effect on the intestines and acts as a powerful purgative. Castor oil is also used externally as an emollient in seborrheic dermatitis and other skin diseases.

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